Allensmore

DRAW WINNERS – Allensmore Church100 Club winners for July are: 1st 44 Gladys Bond, 2nd 51 Flora Turpin, 3rd 84 Amy Williams, 4th 69 Daphne Hartill.

RAMBLE AND BARBECUE – Saturday at Stone Fern, HR2 9AU.

The ramble starts at 3pm and on our return from the footpaths of Allensmore, there will be a barbecue of local produce at around 5pm. For those unable to walk, you are very welcome to join in with the camaraderie of the refreshments.

Aymestrey and Leinthall Earls

CHURCH – The service at Aymestrey on Sunday will be Holy Communion (BCP) at 11am. On August 9 there will be a service to commemorate VJ Day at 9.30am at Aymestrey.

HOG ROAST – On August 7 there will be a Spit ‘n’ Fire Hog Roast at Covenhope Farm (by kind permission of the Probert Family) with entertainment from local comedian, Alan Grosvenor, and also Summer Music. Ticket price is £12.50 adults/£6 under 12 years to include hog roast, selection of puddings and entertainment. Start time is 7.30pm.

Proceeds to St Michael’s Hospice and Aymestrey and Leinthall Earls Churches. Tickets are available from Margaret Probert 01568 708484 or Meg Thorpe 01568 780384.

Bishop’s Frome and Fromes Hill

COFFEE MORNINGS – Coffee mornings are now being held on Fridays, fortnightly from 10am to noon in the Village Centre at Bishop’s Frome. The next will be held tomorrow. Everyone is welcome.

CORRESPONDENT – Martin Field, The Old School House, Burley Gate, HR1 3QR, 01432 820074, commnews@ymail.com.

Bishopstone

CYCLISTS – St Michaels Hospice held their 3rd annual ‘wheelie big cycle’ sponsored event on July 19, and nearly 1000 riders passed through Bishopstone on that day.

Professional, club and family cyclists took part in one of four rides to raise £30,000 for the Hospice.

VILLAGE LOTTERY – Pauline Jordan won £25 on July 18 with number 35.

Bitterley

BITTTERLEY WI – The meeting began with the usual business, and a discussion of future events, which included our August outing for a pub meal, which is to be at The Punch Bowl near Bridgnorth.

Mary Jane Millard gave us a very detailed and amusing account of the centenary AGM at The Royal Albert Hall, which she attended as our delegate, it was also attended by Her Majesty The Queen, The Princess Royal and The Countess of Wessex, so she was in good company.

Our speaker for the evening was John Voysey who used to live in Bitterley, he talked to us about Forest Life – it was both interesting and informative giving us an insight into just what goes on managing the countryside, afterwards he answered questions from members, he was thanked by Sandra Roberts.

Competition winners; flower of the month – 1st Jean Childe, 2and Mary Pritchard, 3rd Dot Griffiths; something beginning with V 1st Ruth Bootman, 2and Sheila Griffiths, 3rd Freda Pugh.

Our next meeting will in the village hall on September 17 when straw craftsman David Packwood will our speaker for the evening, the competition will be something beginning with W should anyone wish to join us they can be assured of a warm welcome.

Bodenham

BODENHAM PARISH COUNCIL – The next Parish Council meeting will be at the Siward James Centre at 7.30pm on Monday.

The meeting, which normally lasts for two hours, is open to the public and everyone is cordially welcomed to attend.

There will be an opportunity during the course of the meeting for residents to raise any matters of local concern they may wish.

Anyone who has such an issue is asked to could inform the parish clerk, Dr Christopher Smith, by telephone on 01568 797132 or email at bodenhampcclerk@gmail.com in advance of the meeting.

BODENHAM GARDENING CLUB – The gardening club’s next meeting will be on Tuesday in the parish hall and will feature a presentation on Murder, Magic and Plant Potions in your Garden by Marion Stainton. New members are always welcome.

The club has a raffle and sales table every month and there are always refreshments available.

The club’s 33rd annual show will be held in the hall on August 15 and details will follow.

Contact details: Patsy Lowe (programme secretary), 01568 797149 or patsylowe3@aol.com.

CAFÉ@CHAPEL – Everyone is welcome to call in for an informal chat over a cup of tea, coffee, etc on Thursday mornings at the Chapel in Chapel Lane. It’s open from 10.30am to noon, every Thursday, and you are welcome to stay for as long or as little as you wish.

No charge is made for refreshments though donations are welcome and are given to a charity at the end of each year. This is a joint venture between St Michael’s Church, Bodenham and Bodenham Christian Fellowship and is hosted by members from both churches (and other local residents).

CORRESPONDENT – Martin Field, The Old School House, Burley Gate, HR1 3QR, 01432 820074, commnews@ymail.com.

Brampton Bryan

SCARECROWS ON THE MOVE – Enjoy the scarecrow trail on Sunday from 11am to 5pm at Brampton Bryan, SY7 0DH.

Flowers and organ recitals in the church, lunches and licensed bar from 12.15pm, teas and coffees served on the cricket field, bouncy castle, stalls, cakes, produce, plants, rides in horse drawn strawberry cart, coffee in Aardvark Books, open workshops and scarecrow trail, try your hand at a sculpture with Garry Jones, castle tours at noon and 3.15pm, secret auction, dog show at 2.15pm – bring your pet and enter, children’s sports at 3.15pm, grand draw 4.15pm, evensong at 6.30pm, Entrance to the fete is £2 for adults – no charge for children.

Funds raised will be donated to St Barnabas Church and other churches.

Bredwardine and Brobury

BREDWARDINE FETE – This year’s Bredwardine fete takes place on Saturday, starting at 2.30pm, in the orchard opposite The Red Lion. Come and enjoy a traditional English country fete, with lots of games, competitions, raffle, tombola, white elephant and amazing teas in the village hall. There will also be a animals on show and music from a popular brass band to keep you entertained. We would be most grateful for donations of raffle and tombola prizes, produce, plants, cakes, books and manpower, so if you can help in any way please contact Charlotte on 01981 500281. Do come and join us – it’s an afternoon not to be missed and a great family day out. All proceeds to St Andrew’s Church, Bredwardine.

AUGUST 100 CLUB DRAW – The Friends of St Andrew’s 100 Club draw will take place on August 6 at 8pm in the Red Lion Inn, which is serving a delicious curry buffet for anyone who wants to eat before the draw. We look forward to seeing you at the event and good luck to all ticket holders.

Contact Jen Maddison on 01981 500048.

COFFEE, CAKE AND MARKET – You are invited to our very popular coffee morning in Bredwardine village hall on August 14. Drop in any time from 10am to noon, for a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new ones over fresh coffee and home-baked cakes. The market offers a range of fresh vegetables, free-range eggs, cakes, jams and chutneys and there are often stalls with knitwear, clothing and jewellery for sale too. You can pick up a movie, a book or some music to take home or just browse through a magazine while you sip your coffee. And if you feel like it, bring along something to sell; it only costs £1 to rent a table. Contact Philip Bauer on 01981 500398 with requests or queries.

Bridge Sollars

COFFE MORNING – The regular Wednesday coffee morning and parish library will be taking a holiday during August. We look forward to welcoming our regulars and perhaps seeing some new faces when we start up again on September 2 at the New Bridge Community Centre from 10.30am to noon.

BONUS BALL – Georgina Archer won £25 with number 35 on July 18.

Brinsop

BIG BAND @ LITTLE BRINSOP – Sunday at Brinsop Church from 3pm to 6pm. Refreshments: Pimm’s, beer, soft drinks, tea and cakes plus a raffle. £5 per ticket, please come along and have a really enjoyable afternoon. All welcome with pre booked tickets from Liz Hill on 07966 378170 or info@rural-concierge.co.uk, facebook.com/BrinsopChurch. All proceeds to Brinsop Church.

Dorstone

CROWN GREEN BOWLS – Dorstone bowling club entertained Bridgnorth, a Shropshire league club, on July 19, in a friendly match. For the first time in five years Bridgnorth won the match. If you want to start to learn, or want a “roll up” contact Barry Megson on 01981 590691.

Eardisland

PUDDING NIGHT – At Eardisland Village Hall, August 15 starting 7.30pm. Come and indulgence yourself at our fun, puddings and pies night. There will be a range of puds and pies including savouries to suit those without a sweet tooth. There will also be a range of different dietary needs e.g. diabetic, gluten free and vegan offerings. This is a ticket only event so please be sure to buy your tickets before hand since there will be no on the door sales.

There will be a free to enter quiz – but no raffle. Free car parking at the village hall. Please bring your own drinks and we will provide the glasses. Tickets can be purchased from Eardisland Shop or call either 01544 388066 or 01544 388097.

EARDISLAND BOWLING CLUB – Eardisland Bowling Club playing Saint Martins at Eastnor in the semi final of the Hereford Times Cup had a narrow victory. Playing on three rinks, Eardisland won 52-50, the highest winning rink skipped by Phil Sharp with Martin Richards, Phil Lynne and Dave Bray scoring 20-15. Playing Kingsland at home, the club had a good win of 118-54. The highest winning rink skipped by Martin Richards with Selina Dykes, Ray Jones and Diane Weaver scoring 27-9. Playing Bulmers away in the Hereford Men’s League, the club suffered its first defeat of 40-27 with both rinks losing. Playing Weobley away, the club won 84-66.

The highest scoring rink of Jonathan Farndon with Phil Milchard, Mavis Tantrum and Andy Carter scoring 23-14.

Eardisland Bowling Club will always welcome new members with club nights on Tuesdays at 6pm. Please bring flat shoes if you wish to play. Doug Tantrum 01544 387972.

Ewyas Harold

WATERAID – The annual event at Rockyfold will be tomorrow from 4pm with interesting stalls, local food and well known local storyteller Julie Long. Community lunch at Walterstone village hall will be on Sunday at 12.30pm open to all £7 per head.

PRAY AND FAST – Join us on Saturday at noon by the bus stop in the centre of Ewyas Harold village to pray and fast for the climate.

SUPERSTARS – Holiday club will run from Monday to August 7, phone 08452 413682 to book a place.

BACTON BARBECUE – Tomorrow at 7pm. Includes our famous barbecue and salads followed by homemade desserts.

Proceeds in aid of Bacton Church and village hall. £7 per person (includes barbecue and desserts), free for children under 12 (when accompanied by a paying adult).

Licensed bar applied for.

Gladestry

GLADESTRY SCHOOL NEWS – The children of Gladestry Primary School celebrated receiving an exceptional inspection report at their annual sports day.

The school and local community came together to join in the celebration at a hog roast following the sports. Local businesses generously donated prizes for a splendid raffle and games were laid on for the children to enjoy. The annual ‘Yew Tree Bank Run’ from the village onto Hergest Ridge saw a good turn out of enthusiastic participants and some impressive finishing times achieved.

The inspection report recognises that “The school has a strong ethos of continuous improvement that has resulted in consistently high standards over a number of years”, that the “the quality of teaching is consistently high” and that “the partnership between staff and pupils is an outstanding feature of the school”. It also reports that attendance is unusually high and that “behaviour is very good in lessons and around the school”. It concludes that “The school is a very strong learning community” and “provides excellent value for money”.

Estyn – the inspectorate for education in Wales – introduced a new inspection framework five years ago. Gladestry is the first school in Powys to be rated as ‘Excellent’ in all the new framework’s five key judgements; the school’s current performance, the school’s prospects for improvement and in response to the three key questions; ‘How good are outcomes?’ ‘How good is provision?’ and ‘How good are leadership and management?’ SUMMER FETE – At St Mary’s Church, Gladestry on August 8 at 3pm (to take place in the church grounds).

To be opened by Ms Celia Kibbelwhite, Mayor of Kington.

Please join us for a fun family time to include: children’s fancy dress (must be home made), bouncy castle, children’s toys and games, skittles, vintage goods, face painting, cakes and preserves, bottle stall, plants and crafts, books, nearly new, Chinese auction and refreshments.

Hay-on-Wye

BELL BANK CLUB – It is good news for Maddie (the dog) as she is enjoying her walks in harness.

Dorothy and Jean represented the club at the VI Brecon AGM held in Brecon in my absence for which I was very pleased. An extraordinary meeting will take place in September to discuss the continuation of this very valuable organization for our community. It is devastating news when diagnosed failing sight or total blindness and it is wonderful to know that care and support is there to provide advice and help for mobility and useful aids in the home enabling one to lead a better quality of life. Several members including Maddie helped Margaret James with her street collection for the County Blind as we have had great pleasure in doing for many years. Over £200 was raised and we thank all the kind and generous folk for their help and their time. Our visit to the Boat Whitney for lunch was very enjoyable and the weather was kind to us as the sun was shining which helped for a wonderful afternoon. Graham and his staff were thanked for a delicious meal and their hospitality. Linda has put us through the exercises to music for the last time as she is going to live in Wiltshire.

During an afternoon party members presented her with a frame containing four photographs of the club’s activities over the past 23 years and vouchers for a garden centre. Linda has been carrying out fundraising and leading exercise to music for many years and members thank her for her commitment to the club. The Bell Bank Club offers an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people to get together and support each other. They meet every Thursday from 2pm-4pm in the parish hall, Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye. Contact Eileen Bufton on 01497 820897.

Hereford

COFFEE MORNING - Connells Sales and Lettings are holding a tea and coffee morning charity event for Pink Ribbon Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness on August 21 between 10am and 1pm.

Not only will there be a ridiculous amount of lovely cakes, tea and coffee, there will be a raffle with all prizes donated from local businesses and face painting for the kids.

SERVICES FROM THE WEST HEREFORD TEAM OF CHURCHES - Tomorrow 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford.

Sunday 9.30am Team Eucharist at St Michael’s Church, Breinton (no services at Holy Trinity Church, St Nicholas’ Church and All Saints’ Church).

Monday 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford.

Tuesday 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford. 12.10pm Said Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford.

Wednesday 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford. 12.10pm Said Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford.

Thursday, August 6, 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford. 10am Holy Communion at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford. 12.10pm Said Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford.

SPECIAL MUSICAL WALKING TOURS - During the Three Choirs Festival, run until tomorrow at 10.30am from the Elgar Statue in the Cathedral Close. Tickets £4 through the box office, 08456 521 823.

Also daily guided walks of Hereford City at 11.30am from main entrance to the cathedral.

Just turn up.

HEREFORD AND DISTRICT FUCHSIA ASSOCIATION - Will hold their 19th annual show on Saturday at Hampton Park United Reformed Church, Hampton Dene Road, Tupsley, Hereford HR1 1UJ.

Doors open at 2 pm. Free entry, plant sale, refreshments, raffle and tombola.

Kings Caple

SCHOOL NEWS - Boats have been built. Imaginative sea stories written. Octopus and sea pictures painted. Bits of pottery have been turned into eye catching mosaic designs depicting wild life in the Wye Valley. Lines have been learned for an amazing performance of Macbeth at The Courtyard.

Songs have been practised for Aladdin. Warwick Castle explored. Competitions in sport have been won. A 5km Race For Life accomplished. Fish have been caught from the Wye at Witney, by rod and fly. To prove that it is possible to have fun and learn at the same time, outstanding results have been achieved in reading, writing and maths.

Time now to enjoy a well earned holiday.

Kingsland

FLOWER SHOW - The Kingsland Flower Show will be held in the Coronation Hall, Kingsland on August 1.

Entries to be submitted between 9am and 10.30am. The show will be open to public from 2pm.

Presentation of prizes at 3.30pm.

Refreshments available all afternoon. Full show schedule available from Kingsland Post Office.

Knighton

BINGO - The next evening of bingo will take place on Saturday at 7pm in the church hall. All welcome. Profit from the bingo goes to church funds.

CHURCH SERVICES - For Sunday. Knighton Methodist Church 11am, farewell service to the Rev Pauline Long followed by refreshments. Knighton Baptist church, member to join Methodist church. Knighton Catholic church 11am. St Andrew’s Church, Norton 10.30am. Benefice service with the Rev Ian Rees for licensing lay worship leaders. Knucklas Baptist Church 6.30pm Sankey evening in aid of Hope House, followed by refreshments.

Leominster

LEOMINSTER AND DISTRICT U3A - At their July general meeting, the Leominster and District U3A (University of the Third Age) welcomed Penny Platts who gave an illustrated talk on the half-timbered houses of Herefordshire.

Penny pointed out that every part of the oak tree, the essential constituent of medieval houses, found a use. Acorns fed animals, twigs were used for firewood, branches were used in the construction of houses, bark for tanning, and oak apples were used to make ink for writing on parchment. Whilst it was true that the demands of the Royal Navy were partly responsible for the destruction of Britain’s oak forests, the speaker felt that more weight should be attached to the burning of wood to produce charcoal. She preferred the expression “half-timbered” to “black and white” because, as she explained, it was a mistake to paint the oak beams black, as this trapped the internal moisture and caused the wood to rot. Likewise, the replacement of the wattle-and-daub with brickwork often led to serious distortion due to the extra weight.

Oaks were usually felled in the autumn and used in the following spring whilst still “green”; allowing the oak to mature for longer made it too hard to work. All wood joints were secured with wooden pegs; the early builders learnt very quickly that the sap would cause iron pegs to rot away. During the construction of these houses, the men on the upper floors were known as top dog, whilst the men on the ground floor, having their hair, ears, eyes, collars and boots filled with falling sawdust, were known as underdogs, hence the current expression.

Then as now, fashion was everything, and it was quite common for house owners to incorporate far more oak beams than were structurally necessary, as a sign to all that they could, and would, afford nothing but the best.

Penny concluded an extremely interesting and informative talk by showing and describing many of the best examples of half-timbered houses in the surrounding Herefordshire villages, and observed that there are 30-40 companies in Britain, including our local Border Oak, still building traditional half- timbered houses.

Little Dewchurch

COMMUNITY FUN DAY - On Saturday from noon on the village green with various activities, including games, stalls, donkeys, ice creams and much more. Hereford Fire Station will be sending an engine from approximately 1pm until 3pm and many raffles and competitions will also be taking place throughout the day.

At 2pm the grand opening of the refurbished phone box, which has been purchased from BT, and converted into a book swap and information point. Local ward councillor and author Mr David Summers will be performing the honours.

Throughout the afternoon the village hall will be a serving hot and cold drinks, cream teas, cakes etc, fresh local strawberries and cream and much more. At 2.30pm there will also be an update on the progress of the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP).

The Plough Inn will be open all day from noon and to celebrate its refurbishment there will be a Hog Roast from 7pm and live music and open mike until the early hours. There are fantastic prizes available for all the competitions and raffles and proceeds are going towards the purchase of a defibrillator to be sited at the village hall. Everybody is welcome.

Llanbister

WHIST DRIVE - The second whist drive in aid of Llanbister Church’s graveyard fund was held recently at Llanbister community hall. The MC for the evening was Gwyn Morgan. Results were: First lady Mary Williams, 2nd Shirley Allen, 3rd Margaret Groves. First gent Alwen Davies, 2nd Cath Hardwick, 3rd Reg Bowen.

Miniature winners were Jack Lewis and partner and Shirley and Graham Hammonds. Raffle winners included Olive Griffiths, Allan Brick, Margaret Watkins and Peter Wheale. Olwen Bowen thanked everyone for their support, Gwyn for being MC, the women who did the refreshments and everyone else who helped.

Madley

SUMMER CELEBRATION AT MADLEY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE - Sunday from 11am.

Join us to celebrate 70 years since VE day on our nature reserve - part of the Second World War RAF Madley Airfield.

Attractions include falconry display at 2pm, history marquee with artefacts and film footage, traditional wood crafts, children’s games and activities, bar, barbecue and refreshments. Entrance only £1 via our entrance gate by Brightwell’s Auction site. Visit mesc.org.uk or call 01981 512561 for more information.

Newchurch

NEWCHURCH CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY - The annual anniversary services took place recently at Ebenezer Presbyterian Chapel, Newchurch and was most ably led by Mrs Jennifer Smith from Llandeilo Graban.

Accompanists: Hannah Allaway and Bev Nethercoat. Bible reading: Margaret Whittall. Musical items: Holly Richards and David and Jean Jones. Instrumental items: Annabel Roberts, Cerys Redfern, Malcolm and Hannah Allaway. Recitation: Jean Jones.

Preparations for this special event were carried out by Betty Croose, Graham Croose, Rachael Jones and Katherine Croose.

Ocle Pychard and Much Cowarne

ANNUAL PARISH LUNCH - The Much Cowarne PCC annual parish lunch will be held at Stoke Lacy Village Hall on August 23 at 12.30 for 1pm. The cost for adults will be £12.50, and for children it will be £7. There will be a licensed bar and an auction of promises.

Bookings are now being taken by Ted Parkes on 01432 820402 and Jill Cooksley on 01432 820264.

Early booking is recommended and must be made by August the 16.

WALKING THE FOOTPATHS - Ted Parkes is the footpaths officer for Much Cowarne and takes along the paths in his area. He is always happy to have company or to meet with residents with comments and suggestions about defects or improvements. He can be contacted on 01432 820402 for details of forthcoming dates.

MUCH COWARNE CHURCH FETE - This year’s Much Cowarne Church fete will be held at Tanhouse Farm on September 5 from 2pm.

Attractions will include a dog show, pony rides, skittles, splat- the-rat, wellie wanging, a dance troupe, tombola, a history tent, and a cake competition and produce and craft stalls, plus a tea and cakes marquee and hotdogs and much more.

Entrance will be free. All proceeds will be in aid of St Mary’s Church.

From 2.30pm there will be a fun dog show with 10 classes – including the fastest sausage eater, the most fabulous fella, the loveliest lady etc. There will be rosettes for the winning dogs.

Entry on the day will cost £2 per class. Further information is now available from Abi Thornbury, on 01432 820064.

THE BURLEY GATE SHOP - Alterations are being made to the wall in front of the Burley Gate Village Hall car park so that access can be gained from the centre rather than the side. The temporary building which will house the new shop and post office has been delivered and put in position. It will now be fitted out internally and shortly volunteers will begin the task of stocking it up, ready for the grand opening.

CORRESPONDENT - Martin Field, The Old School House, Burley Gate, 01432 820074, commnews@ymail.com.

Peterchurch

CHARITY RACE NIGHT AND PROMISE AUCTION - Sunday, at Wilmaston Farm, Peterchurch, HR2 0SJ. Doors open at 5pm, first race 6pm. Entries £5 including Marcus Lloyd’s hog roast and Shepherds Ice Cream. Tickets from Golden Valley Stores or The Old Stables fish and chip shop.

Enquiries to Wyndham Powell on 01873 860665. All proceeds equally split between St Michael’s Hospice, Craswall and Golden Valley YFCs and Escley Side Agricultural Society.

Presteigne

GRAND TOTAL AFTERNOON - Following the successful Cancer Relay For Life weekend in Presteigne at the end of June the committee are holding a get together afternoon on August 9 at The Memorial Hall from 2pm - 4pm. Everyone is most welcome to attend to hear the final total raised by the Marches and Mid Wales relay.

There will also be a chance to reminisce with other team members. Light refreshments will also be served. Everyone welcome.

SERVICES - The following church services will take place this weekend. Holy Communion will take place at Presteigne at 8am, Lingen at 9.30am and Knill, also at 9.30am. There is also a family service at St Andrews at 11am.

Everyone is welcome to these services.

SPORTS QUIZ - There is a sports quiz at Presteigne Bowling Social Club on August 15 beginning at 8pm. There will be a barbecue if the weather permits. The entry fee will be £2 per person with a maximum of six players per team.

To book a place or team call or text 07969 203339. Everyone is welcome.

SHOW AND FUN DAY - This year’s Norton Show and fun day will take place on August 22 at Home Farm, Norton by kind permission of the Lloyd family from noon. There will be loads going on including a horse and pony show, show jumping, vintage vehicle displays, car boot sale, ferret racing, bouncy castle, bungee run, Punch and Judy, circus workshop, an exhibition by Presteigne Quilters, a grand raffle, games and competitions plus lots more.

Refreshments and a bar will be available. Admission will be £3 for adults with under 16s free. For further details call Ann Price on 267221 or Dan Price on 07798 928909.

MARKET - The monthly farmers market will take place on Saturday at The Memorial Hall from 9am - 1pm.

All the usual stalls will be there for you to pick up a bargain or two.

OPEN GARDENS - Marion and Christopher Rowlatt are celebrating 25 years of making a garden at 14 Hereford Street by opening their garden to the public on Saturday afternoon from 2pm - 5pm. Admission will be £5 per person which includes tea and cake.

Plants will also be available for sale.

Any proceeds will be shared between St Andrews Church and Herefordshire Growing Point.

FLORAL ARTS SOCIETY - The next meeting of Presteigne and Borders Floral Arts Society will take place on August 12 at The Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. This month there will be a demonstration entitled From The Shed by Arnaud Metairie. Visitors are welcome.

WI - The next meeting of the newly formed Chatterbrook WI will take place on August 13 at 7.30pm at The Memorial Hall.

CONCERT - The Marches Oboe Summer School will be performing their final summer concert with a regular feast of oboes and bassoons at The Assembly Rooms on August 8 at 3pm. Tickets £7 at the door, children free.

ARTS AND CRAFTS - The monthly arts and crafts will take place this Saturday at The Assembly Rooms from 9.30am-3.30pm. Call Rosamund on 260777 for more.

DRIVERS REQUIRED - For Presteigne and Norton Community Support Transport.

Drivers are paid for their fuel costs. Call in to the office in Hereford Street or call 267961.

CREAM TEAS - Pembridge Church invites you to join them for cream teas on Sundays from 3.30pm - 5.30pm. You can enjoy a cuppa and a scone with friends in the peaceful surrounds of the church or inside if wet.

MUSICAL - Songs of Liberty, a musical composed, performed and acted by Spanish boys with organ recitals on Tuesday at 6.30pm. The Spanish youngsters are in Presteigne on a visit.

Admission is free.

EXHIBITION - There is an exhibition entitled Napoleon and Powys at The Judges Lodgings on Tuesdays till Sundays from 10am- 5pm until September. Entry to the exhibition is free. For further details call 260650.

THANKYOU - The recent tea party at Rockbridge Park in aid of Macmillan Nurses raised £1000.66. The residents would like to thank everyone who supported this event.

POPPY PICNIC - Patti Galliers would like to invite you to her poppy garden picnic at her home at 16 Appletree Meadow on August 15 from 2pm-6pm. Any proceeds will go to The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

OFFICIAL OPENING - Presteigne and Norton Town Council would like to invite you to the official opening of the Wentes Meadow multi-use courts which have recently been refurbished. The grand opening will be done by Presteigne mayor, Colin Kirkby, at 10am. This will be followed by free coaching taster sessions along with football skills with Presteigne Colts and games on the grass pitches too. There will also be a chance to get a security marking on your childs bike free of charge by Dyfed/Powys Police.

Numbers for the taster sessions are limited. For further details visit the town councils website presteigne.org.uk/towncouncil or by calling the town council clerk, Tracey Price on 01547 528575.

AGM - The AGM of Presteigne and Norton Community Support will take place at The Memorial Hall on Thursday, August 6 from 2.30pm.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED - Brecon and Radnor Samaritans need new volunteers. A new training course will begin at the start of September.

Call 01597 822911 for more information.

Stoke Lacy

SONG CAFÉ STYLE CHURCH AND BARBEQUE - On August 8, from 4pm till 6pm, there will be a song café style church and barbecue in the garden of Caris Croft Stoke Lacy. Contact Neil and Christine Walters phone 01885 490870.

PARISH PICNIC - On August 9 following the Holy Communion service in Stoke Lacy Church there will be a parish picnic at the Rock, at Netherwood from noon.

PLOUGHMAN’S LUNCH - On August 16 a ploughman’s lunch (with drinks) will be served from 12.30pm to 2pm at the home of Neil and Christine Walters, Caris Croft, Woodend Lane, Stoke Lacy, HR7 4HQ. To reserve a place please phone 01885 490870 or e-mail neilandchristinewalters@ btinternet.com All donations go towards Seed projects in Tanzania.

COFFEE MORNING - Coffee mornings are being held in the church from 10.30am till noon every second Saturday, each one being sponsored by a different local group. The next event will be on August 22 (there will not be a coffee morning on August the 8 due to a wedding) and it will be sponsored by the flower fairies – the women who decorate the church for most services.

Wigmore

WHO SHOT THE COCKEREL? - The tower of St James’ Church, Wigmore, will be open for guided tours on the first Saturday in each month: August 1 and September 5. Tours will take place at 10am and 11am and at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Come and learn the history of this thousand-year-old church and its 14th century tower. £3.50 for adults, £2.50 for children over eight.

Phone 01568 770150 (Fran Rhodes) for further details and to book.

A